By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The abductors of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, former Director of Defence Information, and his wife released a video on Saturday showing the couple in captivity.

The couple were abducted along the Marabar Musawa–Kafinsoli road in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State, near Zakin Baure village.

In the four-minute video circulated on social media, the wife of the retired general was seen conveying the abductors’ demands, Daily Trust reports.

The demands included the release of three of their members identified as Sani, Aminu and Nasiru, as well as the return of livestock allegedly seized from them.

According to her account, two of the detained individuals were arrested in Jikamshi while the third was arrested in Kano.

She also appealed to the Katsina State Government and leaders of five local government areas to facilitate compliance with the demands to secure their release.

The retired general, who spoke briefly in the video, called for efforts to ensure peace, adding that the abductors had expressed interest in dialogue and peaceful coexistence.

Daily Trust also reports that notorious bandit leader Kachallah Muhammad, who operates in parts of Katsina State, had reportedly established communication with the family of the retired general.

As of the time of filing this report, neither the Katsina State Government nor security agencies had issued an official statement on the video.

The Kano State chapter of the Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers Union (RATTAWU) has commended the Director-General, Media and Publicity to State Governor, Alhaji Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, for facilitating the repair of the association’s bus.

The commendation was made by the Chairman of RATTAWU Kano State Council, Comrade Babangida Mamuda Biyamusu, in a statement issued to pressmen in Kano.

According to the chairman, the union’s bus had been grounded for some time due to mechanical faults, creating challenges for members in carrying out official assignments and union activities.
He described the intervention by Alhaji Sunusi Bature as timely and highly commendable, noting that it has restored the vehicle to operational condition and eased transportation challenges faced by the association.

“On behalf of the entire RATTAWU family in Kano State, we sincerely appreciate this magnanimous gesture. The repair of the bus will go a long way in enhancing our operational efficiency and supporting our activities,” Comrade Biyamusu stated.

The chairman assured that members of the union would continue to play their professional role in sensitising and informing the public about government policies, programmes, and developmental initiatives across the state.

Comrade Biyamusu also expressed gratitude to the Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, for what he described as the administration’s commitment to the development of the state through its Kano First agenda.
He further described Governor Yusuf as a people-oriented and media-friendly leader whose administration has continued to implement policies and programmes aimed at improving the welfare of the people and accelerating the state’s development.

The RATTAWU chairman reaffirmed the union’s commitment to promoting professionalism in the media industry and supporting initiatives that contribute to the progress and development of Kano State.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has impounded more than 30 vehicles for operating with tinted glasses, obscured number plates, and improper registration as it commenced the enforcement of the ban on tinted vehicles across Abuja.

Addressing journalists at the command on Friday, the FCT Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Sanusi, said the operation was aimed at tackling the growing use of such vehicles by criminals involved in one-chance robberies, kidnappings, and other violent crimes within the territory.

According to him, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has given the command the go-ahead to enforce the ban.

Sanusi said intelligence reports indicated that criminal elements deliberately use tinted vehicles and concealed number plates to hide their identities, evade detection, and frustrate law enforcement efforts.

He said: “The IG has given us the mandate to begin the enforcement of the ban on the use of tinted vehicles and other offences as earlier stated.

“Intelligence reports at the disposal of the command indicate that many criminal elements deliberately use such vehicles to conceal their identities, evade detection, and frustrate law enforcement efforts. This poses a serious threat to public safety.”

The police commissioner explained that the enforcement exercise followed a directive to begin strict implementation of regulations prohibiting the use of tinted glasses and other traffic-related violations that could aid criminal activities.

Consequently, he said the command had launched a comprehensive operation targeting vehicles operating in violation of the regulations.

“This exercise is not intended in any way to inconvenience law-abiding citizens, but it is to deny criminals the cover they exploit to operate crimes against innocent citizens and the FCT residents at large,” Sanusi stated.

He disclosed that more than 30 vehicles had already been seized during the operation.

“As part of this ongoing enforcement, over 30 vehicles found to be operating with tinted glasses, covered or obscured number plates, and without proper registration have been impounded,” he said.

The commissioner warned that owners and operators of the impounded vehicles would be prosecuted in accordance with relevant laws.

“The owners and operators of these vehicles will be charged to court in accordance with the laws of the Federation and the FCT Road Transport Regulations Act, 2023,” he added.

Sanusi reaffirmed the command’s commitment to intelligence-led policing and proactive crime prevention, urging residents to support the enforcement exercise.

He also called on members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious persons, vehicles, or activities to the nearest police station or through the command’s emergency lines.

“We therefore seek the understanding, cooperation, and support of the public as we continue this enforcement exercise and enforce the ban on the use of such vehicles and the total ban on tinted glasses across the FCT,” he said.

The police boss maintained that the crackdown was part of broader efforts to improve security and deny criminals the means of operating undetected within the nation’s capital.

The enforcement of restrictions on tinted vehicles comes amid uncertainty over the status of the Nigeria Police Force’s tinted glass permit policy.

On January 1, 2026, the Force suspended nationwide enforcement of the policy following an interim court order restraining its implementation, according to a statement issued by the then Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin.

The police had earlier announced on December 15, 2025, that enforcement of the policy would resume from January 2, 2026, as part of measures aimed at strengthening public safety and internal security.

However, it remains unclear whether the court order has since been vacated or whether the suspension remains in effect.